Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

George and Giles Martin have reworked more than a couple dozen of the Beatles' most well-known tracks for the Cirque du Soleil show entitled Love. I was introduced to The Beatles - LOVE (2006) by "our man Clough."

The listener is at a bit of a disadvantage as there is no video to appreciate how the music fits within the context of the Las Vegas show of the same name. Nonethless, it is sure to get your attention and will leave a lasting impression.

There are bound to be mixed reviews of this release that will like range from brilliant to lack lustre. I was very taken by the creative production as the tracks in this new release give the listener a very different sense of the Fab Four's compositional talents. You may enjoy some of their songs more and some less, but with so much talent to work from it is hard not to find something redeeming on this work by the Martins.




I love the pristine quality of Because which has taken on a new meaning for me as it relates to the earth, emphasizing solitude and wonderment especially without the presence of the synthesizer. It is like seeing a part of the earth for the first time, never before touched by our civilization. Gnik Nus is brilliant and a potent reminder of Lennon, his magic and the unconventional. Here Comes The Sun and the Inner Light speak to Harrison's view of the world more potently and passionately that either of these recordings did alone.

These are my first impressions and I would very much appreciate yours. Did the George and Giles go too far? Did they unlock a potential previously unconsidered? I ask you, Is Love enough?

Should the release be credited to The Beatles though Peter, as you state if you are hearing this in the concept of the Vegas show, is that Juggler thing you posted on here a while back not part of it,then no doubt it works great I will need to listen to it a few times before passing real comment.

That said it has been painstakingly put together and with the approval of the two remaining Beatles and the Ono plus George's wife.

Will it bring about a new generation of Beatles fans, I doubt it.

I'm really looking forward to listening to it. Interestingly enough one of the reviews I've read argued that George and Giles didn't go far enough in their remixes and played it too safe. I doubt I'd agree with that...

Anything that introduces a new generation to the Beatles is fine by me! The entire album was played here on local radio without commercial breaks, and i for one enjoyed it immensely!
Just as the Number 1's album did a few years ago, this one should capture many more new devotees!

Roy: The financial spin offs for Cirque du Soleil are surely considerable as a result of the reputation of The Beatles. I am guessing that the only way that approval among those associated with the Beatles could be achieved was with the Fabs getting top billing. It goes to show that Lennon's words " To the toppermost of the poppermost" were more prophetic in life and death than he might have imagined.

Alisha: I think that, after a couple of listenings, you may consider that George and Giles could have gone further. It may take some adjustment before die-hard fans embrace this reorganization of Beatles' material, but the resulting tapestry created by the Martins is intriguing.

Greg: Your reflection with regard to the impact of the Number 1's on a younger generation is interesting. While this "something new" for older Beatle fans may be hard to accept, younger ears hearing this music for the first time will be exposed to an experience like no other. I suspect that it will lead to a new generation of listeners. Roy may be right, however, in that "Love" may not be enough to bring about a whole new generation.

I bought the CD/DVD a couple of hours ago... Well, I am listening to the CD right now (with headphone) while posting here... The sounds are amazing pure, like nowhere before in any Album or remasters or Anthology released under the name of "Beatles"....
A big collage of sounds, tracks, vocals, guitar solos from different sogs mixed together...it fits perfectly in a show like Cirque du Soleil or a musical or a movie soundtrack.. IMHO not to be considered as a traditional Beatles Album... But I am sure Martins didn't mean to do that releasing "Love"
I hope they (at EMI) will put the same efforts into the project of remastering the original Albums

I bought this yesterday. I find the new remixes excellent, but at least half of it sounds the same as the originals!!

What goes on!!

From Rob

Right you are Robert. As some have said, this release does not go far enough. It is, however, a reworking of the Beatles' material in a number of respects which, to my ears, makes it intriguing nonetheless.

Remember the Ferris Beuller movie from the 80s, "Twist & Shout" was resurrected and I remember a lot of young kids were buying the single. I worked at a record store in Boston during that time. So maybe if this new CD gets airplay, a new generation will grab it.

Here are couple of links of interest regarding this release.

This is a preview of the album, written by Rolling Stone, not sure of the date, but it shows a different track list and includes a version of Girl that did not make it on to the album. Wonder why not?

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10464329/the_beatles_in_vegas


This one is a 1 hour documentary 'making of the album' and is available on the listen again section, on bbc 6 music. Fascinating stuff.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/index.shtml?logo

From Rob

The 5.1 mixes are absolutely incredible!

After a month I still really enjoy this album. Can't get enough of Mr. Kite slamming into I Want You (She's So Heavy)...

It's interesting to think that this works best as one big flowing piece, so it probably doesn't do much for the ipod crowd.

I am excited to say, I will be visiting Las Vegas (from England) for a fortnight from the 25th April. I already have tickets for the Love show there. I have seen bits of it on the TV, but to see it live will be a thrill.